monster

Thanks Steve. Still a bit wary after getting stung on an is220d that had already had a head gasket repair by lexus but needed it again, obviously leading on to bigger problems. Lexus quoted me 5k to replace the engine with no help what so ever - even with full service history. It's took me 3 years to forgive them! Swore I'd never return :0)

Phew. Thanks for that. Hopefully shouldn't effect my purchase now! :)

Thinking of returning to the fold after a few years of German wilderness. Looking at a 55 plate is250 se but am I right in thinking it will cost me a whopping £460 per year???

Thanks guys, he did leave a cash deposit, his name and address, but swerved giving a landline number and just left his mobi. I'll probably go with cash direct to the bank before handing over keys, just to make sure. Then I'll fire the log book straight to dvla. Helpful advice from both of you. Many thanks again.

So from the details I have given, as long as I deal with a bank transfer or cash directly to the bank there shouldn't be anything to worry about? Isn't it a little dodgy giving bank details to perform a bank transfer? I've never done one of these before and have always been wary about passing any bank details out. I shouldn't be concerned but this is how society is these days (not long since had my fingers burnt with an IS220d with a knackered engine so don't trust anyone). Cheers again, the advice is greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone, After advertising the RX300 on the autotrader I had a call from a guy wanting to look at it. The same day I had another 2 calls from different numbers asking to view the car (all 3 with african accents) - which was suspicious. The car had been on the autotrader for about 1 week with no calls until this guys phoned. Anyway, he has just been to look at the car, took it for a test drive, and left a deposit to buy it. He mentioned that he was buying the car for his sister and shipping it to Africa for her. Anyway, I'm very cautious about how to proceed with this and very wary in case there could be a scam involved (for no other reason other than the other phone calls). Anyway, any advice on what to be careful of next would be appreciated, or at least what form I should take the balance in (cash, bankers draft, etc). I'll be sorry to see the car go but the juice is costing us a fortune with the miles being travelled. Thanks in advance folks.

Complaint has now been sent, I'll let you know should it progress. Cheers, Miles

Thanks guys will give them a go in the morning. I'll be suprised if I get anywhere but worth a shot as I've exhausted all other avenues. Much appreciated, Miles

Hi, Been dealing with an engine issue with my IS220d (another one it seems) and just spoke to a staff member in customer relations who didn't seem to want to discuss the issue except to reiterate parrot fashion information from a sheet. So I'm trying to complain in writing to as high up as possible as possible to see if I can get any sense before giving up and trading the car in against something more reliable ... like a Fiat! Has anyone out there got a contact email or number that would be useful? Many thanks in advance, Miles PS I'll detail the problem(s)once i've tried this.

I had this problem on the front brakes of my IS as well. Took it to the local garage and he charged £15 to sort it out. Problem solved!

Hi, Should be no problem with over 80K, it's probably just run in at this point :D . Obviously check for service history and accident damage. It's also worth getting a professional to look over it as anything that needs to be fixed can then be negociated in the price. Try to get one that has had it's cambelt changed and new brakes as if these need doing around 100K then your looking at £1K+ for servicing costs. I've got one thats done 103K and it drive superbly. Air suspension and Sat nav on the SE-L are the business! :P Good luck, Miles

Does he not mean the Series ii RX Duncan? i.e 2003-2009? Not seen this problem on our RX300, could it not have leaked water in when the door opened or possibly condensation? M

Thanks for your help guys. Got one with my wifes initials from Dvla for the rx. Just gotta get another for myself now. Wish I would have taken the old one off the Aristo now! :(

Thanks for that Steve. I'll check it out now!

Hi folks, I need a bit of advice from those who may be in the know. I'm after buying my wife a personalised number plate for the RX300. I've not seen any that look suitable but have noticed plates that are 3 letters followed by 4 numbers - which I think are irish? What I'm wondering is can these plates be bought online and placed on cars over here? Also does anyone know where to get them and how much they cost? I've looked but can only see ones on the rip off websites rather than an official (cheaper) ones. Anyone clued up on these things? Thanks, Miles

That's an interesting point of view, I never really thought of it like that. Ok then so I'm looking for a 4x4, that's luxurious, that's economical, that's quick, that's reliable and that's made by Lexus. :D Nah, I'm happy with the RX300 but going to test drive an RX400h tomorrow just to see if I like the difference... if I don't I'll stick, if I do then I might twist. ;) :P Thanks for the views, definitely given me something to think about. Cheers, Miles

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll look for the previous write up by ihpj and see what other think as well. The premium for getting a 400h would be about £4k on top of the 300 but it would be about 2-3 years newer as well and probably my prefered colour choice. Although the whole reason we bought the RX300 was for the smooth drive, luxuary and safety of the car (being 4 wheel drive). However, I've been a little disappointed with the acceleration being a 3lt V6 .. I know it's a hefty car but it still seems a little sluggish from a standing start. Perhaps I've been spoilt with the Aristo and the supercharged IS200! :P

Thaks for the welcome back! :D So I presume the RX450h will be the mark iii shape? Also does the RX400h feel as sure footed as the RX300 if it's mainly front wheeled drive or are there any other negative aspects about the ride/handling?

Hi y'all..... I've finally come back to the Lexus fold (well sort of ... as now representing my wife ) after just buying an RX300 Mark ii. But just wondered if we've made the right decision and should have gone for the RX400h instead based on fuel economy. As there's only minor differences between the RX300 and RX400h is there that much difference in the MPG figures in the real world? Also how much better will the RX450h likely to be? I'm not travelling that many miles per year (about 8-10K) and it's an even mixture of small roads and motorways. Anyone give their opinion on any of these excellent SUV's? :D Ta, Miles

Seen loads of these lately...... any idea how the scam works? I once sent a similar email when enquiring about a set of alloy wheels and then soon after got a fake paypal dispute email....had the nouse to send it directly to paypal (without) opening and they told me it was part of a phishing scam. Can't stand scumbag conmen :tsktsk: :tsktsk: :tsktsk: go and get a proper job like the rest of us! Rant over!

I thought that as well...suppose immitation is the best form of flattery!

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll get onto Mini in the morning and price up a worst case senario (new painted bonnet, wheel arch trim, and trim inside wheel arch all fitted) then speak to my insurance company and see what my premium would be for no years, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years no claims and see which is worst on the wallet :( Cheers again, Miles

Hi guys, Well my chance of owning an Aristo looks like it may be been put on hold for another few years! . Just had a little bump in my car at about 5mph (lucky not a lexus as would be gutted). The damage to my car (leon) isn't too bad - few scratches, dents, etc. The damage to the other car (mini one) wasn't massive - dent on the bonnet (where a wing would be) and plastic wheel arch broken, didn't even take the paint off. To me it looks like it could be pannel beaten out but I don't know much on these things. Anyway, I've got 5 years no claims (no protection) and a excess of £250. Going from this info do you think it would be better to claim on the insurance or pay the costs myself? Even if I didn't claim on the insurance do I still need to tell them as the other car could only be looked at in the new year (as they are away for xmas)? Any help or advice on how approach this would be great as first crash and not sure what to do. Thanks, Miles

No probs matey. Glad you got hold of one rather than being ripped off by ebayers.

I managed to get one from Sendit "dot" com on saturday. Turned up this morning. Maybe worth a try! Good luck, Miles